Israeli police on Monday maintained restrictions on access to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound for the fourth day amid tensions in Jerusalem. Men under the age of 50 and non-Muslims have been barred from entering the compound.

Authorities fear renewed clashes could follow the formal reopening of a 17th century synagogue in Jerusalem's walled Old City, in mainly Arab East Jerusalem.

"Considering the risk of trouble, we maintain the state of alert and restrictions on access to the Temple Mount," said police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld.

The Palestinians decided to hold a two-hour strike in the city, and the reopening of the synagogue could worsen tensions.

"This is no mere synagogue," said Hatem Abdel Qader, the official in charge of Jerusalem affairs for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah Movement, adding, "This synagogue will be a prelude to violence and religious fanaticism and extremism, and this is not limited to Jewish extremists but includes members of the Israeli government."

Also, Israel extended a lockdown on the occupied West Bank that started on Friday.

-AFP/NOW Lebanon